Torkham border remains closed for 3rd day after clashes

Torkham border remains closed for 3rd day after clashes
Source: File

Landikotal: Torkham border crossing remained close on Friday for the third day after clashes between Pakistan and Afghan forces, several trucks laden with goods left stranded on both sides. 

All movement had been suspended for the second day, but no gunfire had occurred from either side.

Torkham border crossing is the main transit point for travellers and goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan — had shut on Wednesday after after both forces started firing at each other, according to local officials.

Abdul Basir Zabuli, a spokesman for the Afghan police in eastern Nangarhar province, where the crossing lies, said that authorities from both countries were trying to determine the main reason behind the clash.

Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said “hundreds of trucks laden with fruit, vegetables and other goods were stuck due to the closure.”

Trucks loaded with multiple trade goods had also returned to Landi Kotal or Peshawar as the reopening of the border is uncertain. The entire flow of trade had been affected and loading of goods in the southern port of Karachi had also been disrupted.